Russian tourists have been stranded along travel routes in Nepal after severe flooding washed out critical roads and bridges, according to Telegram news channel Shot.
At least nine people have died and more than 500 remain missing after a powerful surge of water flowed into Nepal from neighboring Tibet on Wednesday, August 26, destroying homes, vehicles, bridges, and sections of road across several districts.
One traveler reported that the main direct highway connecting the capital city of Kathmandu with the central city of Pokhara has been closed alongside a crucial bridge in Mugling. Travelers have been forced to seek detours through alternative settlements, extending travel times to roughly 18 hours.
Travel routes cut between Kathmandu and Pokhara
Kathmandu is Nepal's capital and main international transit point, while Pokhara serves as the country's central tourism hub and primary gateway to the Annapurna circuit. The road connecting the two cities via Mugling is a vital travel and supply artery, meaning severe damage to the route creates major logistical bottlenecks across the region.
The flooding began on Wednesday when heavy water flows rushed down from Tibet, causing widespread destruction across multiple Nepali districts. While some tourists managed to contact emergency services and confirm they were safe, officials have lost contact with more than 500 individuals in the affected areas.
Himalayan pilgrimage destinations impacted
Some of the stranded tourists were traveling toward sacred regional sites, including Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet, as well as Lake Gosaikunda in Nepal.
Mount Kailash and neighboring Lake Manasarovar, located across the border in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, are sacred pilgrimage destinations that draw travelers from across the globe each year. Lake Gosaikunda, situated inside Nepal's Langtang National Park at an altitude of over 4,300 meters, is another prominent destination for mountain trekkers and religious pilgrims.
Travelers urged to cancel trips to dangerous areas
Torrential rains and river flooding pose frequent dangers in Nepal during the annual monsoon season, when mountain streams overflow and undermine steep roadways. Following the latest destruction, travelers have been urged to cancel all visits to dangerous areas until floodwaters subside and emergency crews can assess and clear damaged transportation routes.
